Clowning

Clowning is a theatrical circus discipline built on character, physical comedy and play with the audience. The clown works from a strong persona and creates humour from failure, curiosity, surprise and honest reaction, whether in a ring entrée, between acts, on the street or on stage.

It draws on mime, improvisation, slapstick, timing and audience interaction, and traditions range from the classic whiteface and auguste duos to contemporary and theatrical clown. Clowning is taught in most circus schools as the foundation of stage presence, since every circus artist benefits from learning to play with an audience.